CHRIS ROBERTS takes your calls and opinion seems to be split on the side Gordon Strachan has selected to take on Wales in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

GARETH Bale missed training yesterday but the bad news for the Tartan Army is the Welsh wizard will be fit for Friday.

Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee believes he has a cunning plan to stop the in-form Tottenham favourite at Hampden but callers to the Hotline aren’t nearly so confident.

Peter Brater, Lesmahagow, said: “Scotland are convinced they have a master plan to stop Gareth Bale but they have absolutely no chance – unless they can lock him in the dressing room.”

Suzanne M, Pollok, said: “As a Welsh lady living in Scotland I was thrilled to see us win the Six Nations rugby championship on Sunday.

“Friday will also be a good day as Scotland won’t be able to stop Gareth Bale and the rest of the Welsh side.”

Paul Bradstock, Leith, said: “I agree with Mark McGhee when he says we shouldn’t man-mark Bale. Wales’s danger man is Gary Caldwell – he’s been a thorn in the Scottish side for years now.”

Thanks to Craig Levein’s disastrous reign, Scotland have a very slim chance of going to the World Cup but the man who replaced him and instilled a glimmer of hope has also come in for criticism.

Ian Wylie, Paisley, said: “Gordon Strachan always struck me as an intelligent man so why then did he take the Scotland job? He has a squad of average players and I just don’t understand why he wants to manage them.”

Jim Clark, Balornock, Glasgow, said: “Leigh Griffiths deserved a Scotland call-up because he’s been banging goals in for fun but wee Chesney ignored him. I hope Scotland get pumped by Wales and Serbia and he sees sense and gets an outfit with decent players.”

Not very patriotic, old chap.

Robert McGregor, Rugby, was backing Wales in the Six Nations last weekend but is hoping their round-ball counterparts are left disappointed at Hampden.

He said: “I was delighted to see Wales win the Six Nations championship by beating England but I really hope they’re not too happy on Friday night.”

Buddies, unsurprisingly, are still basking in the glory of the Scottish Communities League Cup Final victory.

John McGuire, Paisley, said: “I would just like to thank the St Mirren players for celebrating with the supporters after their fantastic achievement.”

Aberdeen supporter Lauren Perrie, Edinburgh, said: “We showed at Parkhead at the weekend that Craig Brown is leaving a good squad for whoever takes over the Dons.

“I would give the job to Ross County boss Derek Adams or Terry Butcher of Inverness.”

Incredibly, yours truly came under fire next for having the cheek to support Manchester United.

Ian Miller, Falkirk, said: “I am going to have a pop at you, your beloved Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson not only controls the referees down south but also the English national side.

“Why else would Rio Ferdinand be allowed to join up with the England squad and then be pulled out because of some mystical injury?

“If United were playing, you could guarantee he would be fit. It’s disgraceful how Taggart and your beloved team can do this.”

Calm down, pal, it’s got nothing to do with me.

That wasn’t the end of the spotlight on England as Peter H, Scotstoun, Glasgow, said: “It’s a shame to see Rio Ferdinand out of the England squad, having just got back into it.

“I hope there is nothing sinister here.”

Rangers chief executive Charles Green has given his thumbs up to the idea of an Ibrox colts side in the lower divisions but not everyone is backing the Yorkshireman.

Ian McCabe, Airdrie, said: “This idea of having colts teams is nonsense and could make Scottish football a laughing stock.”

However, the final word went to Alan Lough, Dunbar, who said: “This deal to watch Rangers Colts for a knockdown price sounds really good value.”